Hook and loop dispenser

ABSTRACT

A dispenser is disclosed for dispensing a needed length of tape having hooks on a first side and loops on a second side. It includes a frame. The frame includes a first support for supporting a roll of the tape. A roll of the tape is also provided on the first support. The frame also includes a second support spaced apart from the first support and including a resistive surface that provides resistance to either the hooks or the loops of the tape. The frame also includes a cutting blade located near the resistive surface of the second support.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to an apparatus for dispensing a tape like product and more particularly to a dispenser for dispensing a tape having hooks on a first side and loops on the opposite side.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] The use of strips of hook and loop material to bundle objects is known in the art. Usually, these products are sold precut to particular lengths. Rolls of hook and loop material are also sold to consumers. However, the consumer must cut these to the needed length. The consumer must cut the material using a knife or scissors. This is time consuming and requires the consumer to keep track of two items; the scissors and the roll of hook and loop material. There exist several types of dispensers for dispensing adhesive tape material. However, these dispensers do not work efficiently for dispensing hook and loop material. It would be advantageous to provide a dispenser for dispensing and cutting hook and loop material of a needed length. A typical adhesive tape dispenser is described below.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,993,230 issued to Oakes discloses an adhesive tape dispenser provided with finger gripping openings for mounting the dispenser on the back of the hand so as to enable holding the dispenser on one hand while pulling the tape from the dispenser with the other hand and severing it so that the fingers of both hands can be employed to apply the severed tape. As illustrated the dispenser comprises a support, means on the support for rotatably receiving a roll of tape for rotation about a predetermined axis, a cutter on the support having a cutting edge spaced from and parallel to the axis of the roll of tape over which the tape is adapted to be withdrawn in a direction at right angles to the axis of the roll of tape for severance and means for mounting the dispenser on the back of the hand such that the direction of draw-off is transverse to the hand, comprising a finger grip on the support disposed at right angles to the axis of the roll of tape about which the fingers are adapted to be closed.

[0006] As illustrated, the finger grip is constituted in one form by an opening through the support spaced from and parallel to the axis of rotation of the roll of tape and a bearing element situated laterally thereof which also has a surface spaced from and parallel to the axis of rotation of the roll of tape situated at a distance from the finger gripping opening so as to have engagement with the adjacent finger in normal position of adjacency, said finger opening and surface collectively providing support for supporting the device at the back side of the fingers substantially perpendicular to and transversely of the back of the hand, so that rotation of the device about the axis of the finger gripping opening is prevented by engagement of said surface with the adjacent finger. The surface of the bearing element may be constituted by an adjacent portion of the support or a second opening through the support adjacent to, spaced from and parallel to the finger gripping opening or in communication with the finger gripping opening. Optionally, the second opening may have an open side to permit disengagement of the finger laterally from the second opening.

[0007] The prior art shows various dispensers for adhesive tape. However, the prior art does not show a tape dispenser for hook and loop material that works in an efficient manner.

[0008] Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dispenser for dispensing a needed length of hook and loop material.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a dispenser for efficiently cutting hook and loop material.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dispenser for hook and loop material that is safe and easy to use.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dispenser for hook and loop material having a cutter that does not fray the cut ends of the hook and loop material.

[0012] The foregoing objects and advantages of the invention are illustrative of those that can be achieved by the present invention and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible advantages which can be realized. Thus, these and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description herein or can be learned from practicing the invention, both as embodied herein or as modified in view of any variation which may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention resides in the novel methods, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In light of the present need for providing an efficient reliable dispenser for dispensing and cutting a needed length of hook and loop material, a brief summary of the present invention is presented. Some simplifications and omission may be made in the following summary, which is intended to highlight and introduce some aspects of the present invention, but not to limit its scope. Detailed descriptions of a preferred exemplary embodiment adequate to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention concepts will follow in later sections.

[0014] A dispenser for dispensing a needed length of tape having hooks on a first side and loops on a second side is disclosed. It includes a frame. The frame includes a first support for supporting a roll of the tape. The frame also includes a second support spaced apart from the first support and including a resistive surface that provides resistance to either the hooks or the loops of the tape. The frame also includes a cutting blade located near the resistive surface of the second support.

[0015] A dispenser is also shown for dispensing a needed length of tape having hooks on a first side and loops on a second side. It includes a frame. The frame includes a first support for supporting a roll of the tape. The frame also includes a second support spaced apart from the first support and including a surface member. The frame also includes a non-serrated cutting blade located near the surface member

[0016] A dispenser is also shown for dispensing a needed length of tape having hooks on a first side and loops on a second side. It includes a frame. The frame includes a first support for supporting a roll of the tape. A roll of the tape is also provided on the first support. The frame also includes a second support spaced apart from the first support and including a resistive surface that provides resistance to either the hooks or the loops of the tape. The frame also includes a cutting blade located near the resistive surface of the second support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to better understand the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the hook and loop dispenser.

[0019]FIG. 2 shows a side view of the dispenser detailing the resistive surface having loops.

[0020]FIG. 3 shows a side view of the dispenser detailing the resistive surface having hooks.

[0021]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the rubber resistive surface.

[0022]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the ridged resistive surface.

[0023]FIG. 6 shows a detail view of the clamp member.

[0024]FIG. 7 shows a detail view of the non-serrated cutting edge and blade protector.

[0025]FIG. 8 shows the non-serrated cutting edge and blade protector in use.

[0026]FIG. 9 shows a detail view of another embodiment using a non-serrated cutting edge.

[0027]FIG. 10 shows a detail view of the serrated cutting edge.

[0028]FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the hook and loop dispenser including a reel brake.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like components or steps, there are disclosed broad aspects of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. A tape dispenser 100 is shown. The dispenser 100 includes a frame 110 having a first support 112 and a second support 114. The first support 112 holds a roll of tape 104. The tape 102 includes hooks 106 on one side and loops 108 on the other side. The second support 114 includes a surface member 116 and a cutting blade 118. The dispenser 100 is used by pulling a necessary length of tape 102 and forcing the tape 102 into the cutting blade 118. This cuts the tape 102 to the necessary length. The surface member 116 of the second support 114 provides either friction, in some manner, or support for cutting the tape 102.

[0030] The tape 102 in the preferred embodiment includes hooks 106 on a first side and loops 108 on the other side. Several types of tape 102 can be used. For example, the tape 102 can include hooks on a first side and loops on the other side. The tape 102 can also be stretchable and includes hooks on a first side and loops on the other side. The tape 102 can also include hooks and loops on the same side and have nothing on the other side. The tape 102 can include mushrooms on one side and loops on the other or mushrooms and loops mixed on the same side and nothing on the other side. Complementary fastening elements can means hooks, loops mushrooms, or any combination thereof.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, a detailed side view of the second support 114 is shown. In this embodiment, the surface member 116 is a resistive surface 202 including loops 204. The roll of tape 104 is configured such that the hooks 106 of the tape 102 will contact the loops 204 as the user presses the tape 102 against the resistive surface 202. The hooks 106 then engage the loops 204. This provides support for the tape 102 as the user pulls the tape 102 down against the cutting blade 118. The hooks 106 also remain engaged with the loops 204 after the cut has been made and until the user needs another length of tape 102.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 3, a detailed side view of the second support 114 is shown. In this embodiment, the surface member 116 is a resistive surface 202 including hooks 204. The roll of tape 104 is configured such that the loops 108 of the tape 102 will contact the hooks 204 as the user presses the tape 102 against the resistive surface 202. The loops 108 then engage the hooks 204. This provides support for the tape 102 as the user pulls the tape 102 down against the cutting blade 118. The loops 108 also remain engaged with the hooks 304 after the cut has been made and until the user needs another length of tape 102.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Again a detailed view of the second support 114 is shown. The surface member 116 is a resistive surface 202 including a rubber pad 402. The roll of tape 104 can be configured with the hooks 106 or the loops 108 facing the rubber pad 402 as the user presses the tape 102 against the cutting blade 118. The pressing of the tape 102 against the rubber pad 402 causes enough friction to keep the tape 102 from sliding as the user pulls the tape 102 down against the cutting blade 118.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Again a detailed view of the second support 114 is shown. The surface member 116 is a resistive surface 202 including a grooved or roughened surface 502. The roll of tape 104 can be configured with the hooks 106 or the loops 108 facing the grooved or roughened surface 502 as the user presses the tape 102 against the cutting blade 118. The pressing of the tape 102 against the grooved or roughened surface 502 causes enough friction to keep the tape 102 from sliding as the user pulls the tape 102 down against the cutting blade 118.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Again a detailed view of the second support 114 is shown. However, the second support 114 includes a clamp member 602. The clamp member 602 is hingedly connected to the frame 110 or second support 114 in any conventional manner. The user pulls a necessary length of tape 102 from the dispenser and presses the clamp member 602 against the surface member 116. This provides enough friction to keep the tape 102 from sliding as the user pulls the tape 102 down against the cutting blade 118.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Herein, a non-serrated blade 704 is used. Any conventional non-serrated edge, such as a razor blade or knife-edge, can be used. A protective cover 702 covers the non-serrated blade 704. The protective cover 702 is hingedly connected to the frame 110 or the second support 114 in any conventional manner. When the dispenser 100 is not in use, the protective cover 702 remains in position covering the non-serrated blade 704. In this embodiment, any surface member 116 discussed above can be provided. This includes hooks 204, loops 304, a rubber pad 402 or a ridged or roughened surface 502. The protective cover 702 can also be used with a serrated blade.

[0037]FIG. 8 shows the dispenser 100 from FIG. 7 in use. As the user pulls the tape 102 down against the non-serrated blade 704, the protective cover 702 pivots out of the way allowing the tape 102 to contact the non-serrated blade 704. The tape 102 also engages the resistive surface 202 thus allowing the user to pull the tape 102 down against the non-serrated blade 704 with enough force to cut the tape 102.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the present invention is shown 900. Herein, a non-serrated blade 902 is used. However, the non-serrated blade 902 is similar to a blade used in a conventional letter opener. Protective member 904 covers the non-serrated blade 902 to keep users from cutting their hands on the blade 902. In a similar manner to the embodiments above, the tape 102 is pulled to a necessary length. The tape 102 is then pressed down against the resistive surface 202 or merely the surface member 116. However, the user pulls the tape 102 down and sideways against the blade 902 thus cutting the tape 102.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 10, a detailed view of the second support 114 is shown. In this embodiment, a serrated blade 1002 is provided near the surface member 116.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 11, a perspective view of an embodiment of the tape dispenser 1100 is shown. The dispenser 1100 includes a reel brake 1102. The reel brake 1102 includes a surface 1104 that contacts the roll of tape 104 when pressed. This provides a force that will stop or resist the pull of tape 102 from the dispenser 1100. The reel brake 1102 can be located in any position on the dispenser 1100 and engage the roll of tape 104 or the actual reel 1106 on which the roll of tape 104 is wound. The surface 1104 can include hooks, loops or projects and can be made of rubber or any other suitable material. The reel brake 1102 can also be located on the side of the dispenser 1100. In this embodiment, the reel brake 1102 would contact the side of the roll of tape 104 and its operation would not depend on how much tape 102 is left on the roll of tape 104.

[0041] In yet another embodiment, the dispenser 1100 is designed to be only slightly wider than the roll of tape 104. The dispenser 1100 can be constructed of plastic which naturally has some flexibility. This flexibility is enough to allow the dispenser 1100 to deform when squeezed, thus contacting the sides of the roll of tape 104 and stopping the roll 104 from spinning when the tape 102 is pulled. To provide further friction, the inside surface of the dispenser could be rough, thus gripping the roll 104 more securely.

[0042] Although the present invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it should be understood that the invention is capable of other different embodiments, and its details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects. As is readily apparent to those skilled in the art, variations and modifications can be affected while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure, description, and figures are for illustrative purposes only, and do not in any way limit the invention, which is defined only by the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispenser for dispensing a needed length of tape having on at least one side a set of complementary fastening elements, comprising: a frame; a roll of tape; a first support on the frame for supporting said roll of the tape; a second support on the frame spaced apart from the first support and including a resistive surface providing resistance to the set of complementary fastening elements of the tape; and a cutting blade on the frame near the second support.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the resistive surface is a rubber pad.
 3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the set of complementary fastening elements includes hooks and the resistive surface includes loops for engaging the hooks of the tape.
 4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the set of complementary fastening elements include loops and the resistive surface includes hooks for engaging the loops of the tape.
 5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the set of complementary fastening elements include mushrooms and the resistive surface includes loops for engaging the mushrooms of the tape.
 6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the resistive surface includes a plurality of ridges.
 7. The dispenser of claim 1, further including a clamp for forcing the tape against the resistive surface.
 8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the cutting blade is serrated.
 9. The dispenser of claim 8, further including a protective shield for the serrated cutting blade.
 10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the cutting blade is non-serrated.
 11. The dispenser of claim 10, further including a protective member projecting over the non-serrated cutting blade.
 12. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the set of complementary fastening elements are hooks and the tape includes a set of loops on the same side.
 13. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the resistive surface includes either hooks or loops.
 14. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the set of complementary fastening elements are mushrooms and the tape includes a set of loops on the other side.
 15. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the resistive surface includes loops.
 16. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the set of complementary fastening elements are mushrooms and the tape includes a set of loops on the same side.
 17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the resistive surface includes loops.
 18. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the tape is stretchable.
 19. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the set of complementary fastening elements are hooks and loops and the tape includes adhesive on the other side.
 20. The dispenser of claim 19, wherein the resistive surface includes either hooks or loops.
 21. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the set of complementary fastening elements are mushrooms and loops and the tape includes adhesive on the other side.
 22. The dispenser of claim 21, wherein the resistive surface includes loops.
 23. A dispenser for dispensing a needed length of tape having on at least one side a set of complementary fastening elements, comprising: a frame; a first support on the frame configured for supporting a roll of tape; a second support on the frame spaced apart from the first support and including a cutting blade; and a braking means configured for stopping a roll of tape from rolling on the first support as the tape is cut on the cutting blade.
 24. The dispenser of claim 23, wherein the braking means is a reel brake.
 25. The dispenser of claim 23, wherein the braking means includes the frame having flexible sides that deform to contact the roll of tape when pressed.
 26. The dispenser of claim 25, wherein the flexible sides of the frame include a roughened surface to provide further friction when contacting the roll of tape.
 27. The dispenser of claim 23, wherein the cutting blade is serrated.
 28. The dispenser of claim 27, further including a protective shield for the serrated cutting blade.
 29. The dispenser of claim 23, wherein the cutting blade is non-serrated.
 30. The dispenser of claim 29, further including a protective member projecting over the non-serrated cutting blade.
 31. The dispenser of claim 23, further comprising a roll of tape.
 32. The dispenser of claim 31, wherein the roll of tape includes complementary fastening elements having one of hooks, loops, mushrooms, adhesive or combinations thereof.
 33. A dispenser for dispensing a needed length of tape having on at least one side a set of complementary fastening elements, comprising: a frame; a first support on the frame configured for supporting a roll of tape; a second support on the frame spaced apart from the first support and including a cutting blade; and a protective shield covering the cutting blade.
 34. The dispenser of claim 33, wherein the cutting blade is serrated.
 35. The dispenser of claim 33, wherein the cutting blade is non-serrated.
 36. The dispenser of claim 33, further comprising a roll of tape.
 37. The dispenser of claim 36, wherein the roll of tape includes complementary fastening elements having one of hooks, loops, mushrooms, adhesive or combinations thereof. 